Spotlight to shine again on Charles Dickens' classic tale

One of Charles Dickens’ beloved tales is set to delight audiences of all ages this month, with a new show opening at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre this Friday night.

A cast of 50 performers from Redcliffe Musical Theatre have spent the last 10 weeks rehearsing their new musical titled Oliver!

There will be eight performances, including two matinees, held between July 8-17.

The play follows the life and troubles of a young orphan named Oliver Twist who is navigating London’s underworld of theft and violence as he searches for a home, a family, and most importantly, love.

Redcliffe Musical Theatre Executive Producer and Director Madeleine Johns says she is excited to see lots of young faces take to the stage

“We have a whole new generation of young male performers who you will see on stage with us for this show,” Madeleine says.

“This is fabulous because the performing arts can be dominated by girls, so to have so many boys on stage at once is heartwarming to see.

“Here at Redcliffe Musical Theatre, we are passionate about creating pathways for performers, and with a cast of 50 in Oliver, including 30 in the junior cast, we are doing just that.”

The show features Thomas Armstrong-Robley as Fagin, Matthew Leigh as Bill Sikes and Georgia Burnett as Nancy - and introduces Toby Bailey and Max Eilola as Oliver and Anthony Van Stam and Miguel Gambley as Dodger.

Music and lyrics are by Lionel Bart.

This is the second time Redcliffe Musical Theatre has performed Oliver, having showcased it on stage back in 2011.

What audiences can expect

When the curtain rises at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Madeleine says audiences can expect lots of fun, music, singing and more.

“Oliver is a goldie oldie, so you can expect lots of fabulous singing, incredible scores from the 15-piece orchestra, wonderful storytelling and a great array of characters,” she says.

“The orchestra will be on stage, and while you won’t be able to see them, you will be able to hear them.

“They will be giving a unique sound to the show which is very different to more modern productions. This is the stuff audience members would remember from when they were little and went to the theatre with their mum or grandma.”

The show will also feature timeless songs including As Long as He Needs Me, Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and Where Is Love.

Production team

Executive Producer / Director – Madeleine Johns

Associate Director – Thomas Armstrong-Robley

Musical Director – Rhonda Davidson-Irwin

Choreographers – Taylah McLennan and Sara Jane Aistrope

Assistant Vocal Coach - Matt Leigh

Production Manager - Georgia Murray

Show times

All performance of Oliver will be held at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre on:

Friday, July 8 at 7.30pm

Saturday, July 9 at 2pm and 7.30pm

Sunday, July 10 at 2pm

Friday, July 15 at 7.30pm

Saturday, July 16 at 2pm and 7.30pm

Sunday, July 17 at 2pm

Ticket prices

Tickets to see the show are:

Adults: $65.00

Concession: $57.50

Child: $50.00

Family (2 adults plus two children): $195.00

Groups (10+): $57.50

A $3 online/phone transaction fee applies

Redcliffe Musical Theatre currently have a ticket special. Enter the codeword, pickapocket, online when booking your tickets to get $15 off each ticket. 

To book, log onto the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre website.